McDaniel College Top Questions

My college experience has been incredibly beneficial, life-altering, and rewarding. I have gained a greater sense of personal worth, and have increased my love for learning since my very first day. Because of my experiences, I have learned to appreciate those that are different from me, and to get along and work with them toward greatness and toward our futures. It is always comforting to know that other individuals are just like *you*, and attend McDaniel College for the same overall purpose: to learn, to grow, and to thrive; to give back to the community, to help those in need, and to develop a greater sense of what is truly important in this world. My experience has been valuable, because I feel that there is a sense of purpose here, and that my classmates and I are all at McDaniel College together to make our world - locally and around the world - a better and more wonderful place to live. When we turn our tassels and throw our hats into the air on graduation day, I know that each and every one of us will all be able to genuinely and truthfully say, "We did it! We made a difference!"

The single most important piece of advice I can offer is to apply to as many scholarships as possible. Although I received an academic scholarship, which tremendously helped, I attended a fairly expensive private school, and was left with a considerable amount of loans to pay back. As a high school student, I felt that an academic scholarship was enough and that I did not need to take the time to apply for others, however, I quickly found that I was horribly mistaken. If I could do it all over again, I would definitely recommend applying to other scholarships. One aspect that I truly loved about McDaniel College was that it was a small private school where the students had every opportunity to work individually with professors. Conversely, all of the professors provided individual attention to each student. This is an element that a large university cannot offer, but something that I needed to succeed.

I would tell myself to consider the character I want to develop during my college career. College is a period of growth and it is necessary to pick a school that will challenege values and limits. If I were to redo my decision I would look at the diversity colleges offer and consider if I would be making a transition into a stimulating institution or if I would be relocating for another four years of high school. My tranisition to college was easy but only because I was not pushed out of my comfort zone, a needed experience to develop a sense of self and life. I made a safe college decision and I wish I had chosen a school that would expand my world view through peer and academic interactions. However; I feel I have continued to live in a high school bubble.

I would tell myself not to take college life for granted. I would tell myself to actually study for exams and if I really do need help with any assignments given to me in class, I should go up to the teacher after class and ask for help. I will also tell myself that it is alright to actually make mistakes since no one in the world is perfect. I should live my life to the fullest and give it all you got. There are people in the world that expect greatness from you and the only way to achieve that "greatness" is to actually ask for help. I should have really worked hard and truly worry about your GPA. You can achieve anything , you just have to work hard to please yourself first and then the people around me. Remember never to give up.

When I was a senior in high school, I only applied to one school and after a year I trasferred from that University. If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would have told myself to apply to more than one school. Therefore, I would have had more choices to try to choose the school that was right for me. I also wish I fully comprehended the differences between high school and college before I was a freshman in college. High school was easy for me, so I believed that college was going to be the same way. As a result, I did not work to my full potential fall semester of my freshman year. If I had expected my classes to be as difficult as they were, I believe I would have been more successful.

Its okay to be afraid at first but once your there and making new friends everything is all right! If anything it is exciting because you are learning what interests you and it is the beginning of a successful future!

If I had the opportunity to go back and speak with myself as a high school senior, there are many things I would say. First, I would tell myself to apply for more scholarships. Paying for college can get really expensive, especially when your attending a private college like myself, so applying for more grants and scholarships would have been helpful. I would also tell myself to focus on my school work and managing my time. That is one of the hardest things I had to deal with as a Freshman. In highschool you didn't have to study every day for five hours to be successful, but thats not the case in college. Finally, I would tell myself to relax, sit back and enjoy the ride. I was so stressed out about getting in, starting off new and making a name for myself, but I know now that going to McDaniel was one of the best choices I've ever made and was I given the choice to go back and do it all over again, I wouldn't change a thing!

"What a homecoming game" I say to myself as I get home. We lost 27-3, but at least I demolished the competition. McDaniel College's football department won't be disappointed. Right before falling asleep, a flash of light jerks me awake. Before I can throw something at my little brother for waking me up, I see before me... Me... The corporeal form of me. I look different though, "What the hell?" I ask the ghostly self before me, I don't remember getting a concussion... "No you didn't hit your head David. I'm you, three years from now." "Really man?" I tell myself -er himself- I don't know how to refer to myself in an animated third person, "What is this, some lame 80's movie?" "Yeah, whatever, just listen. I'm you in college. Here's some advice. Manage your time wisely, study hard, but play harder. You're going to enjoy it a lot. And you're going to win the Nobel Peace Prize." "For what?" "Um HELLO?! Look at me! I'm in my Junior year and I've already mastered time travel!" "Oh yeah..." And with that he vanished.

Set goals for what you want to complete in college before you graduate and complete them. If you want to go abroad, do not hesitate; it can be a life-changer. Find a group of friends and stick together through thick and thin. Those friends will help you get where you want, and be the greatest source of support you could ever imagine. Don't dive in over you head the first semester; a bad gpa is hard to recover from. Do everything in moderation except anything that could put your life in jeopardy; avoid those at all costs. Take a break when you need one. Excersize gives you endorphines, one of your greatest friends, while strengthening your mind and your self-image. Get enough sleep! If you do this as well as you can and study hard, then feel free to enjoy yourself too! College is the best time to explore the world, take a trip to New York, find a soul mate, start a blog, go skydiving, or even just learn how to knit. And most important of all, study what you find is fun regardless of you job outlook. Happiness is riches. Smile everyday and be rich!

FInd a school that matches your personality, if you like diverse cultures find a school that will give you that. Don't think it will be "ok" or you will survive... who wants to simply "survive" for all the money that your spending? Also, don't be afraid to not know what your gonna do, take a chance, who knows you might just suprise yourself :)